Month: March 2017

Over 30 leading Jewish members of the Labour Party have written to the Party’s National Constitutional Committee arguing that “we believe it would be a travesty if the Labour Party were to find Ken Livingstone guilty of conduct prejudicial or detrimental to the Party.”

They argue that “as Jews, we are appalled that such a serious issue as antisemitism is being used in this cynical and manipulative way,” adding that “It is harmful to Jewish people that false charges of antisemitism are so casually thrown around.”

They conclude that “We would urge the Party not to make such a damaging mistake.”

Commenting, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, a Jewish Labour Party member and witness for Ken Livingstone at the hearing, said:

“Ken Livingstone is being pilloried because he is a prominent figure on the left of the Labour Party who has actively defended it from attacks based on false allegations of anti-Semitism.Read the full article

This week the Labour Party is considering whether to expel me or not, having suspended my membership eleven months ago. I first joined Labour in March 1969 – I have served it as a member, councillor, GLC member, MP, Mayor of London and NEC member.

In that time, I have been proud of my record as an anti-racist and leading campaigner against the far-right and their hate.

Racism is a uniquely reactionary ideology, used to justify the greatest crimes in history. Read the full article

Ken Livingstone to appear before the Labour Party’s National Constitutional Committee

On Thursday this week (30 March) Ken Livingstone will be appearing before the Labour Party’s National Constitutional Committee (NCC) to answer the charge that he engaged in conduct ‘grossly detrimental’ to the Party when he publicly defended the Labour Party against charges of anti-Semitism in 2016.

In April 2016 Ken Livingstone conducted a series of radio and TV interviews in which he defended the Labour Party, its Leader Jeremy Corbyn and a Labour MP Naz Shah, against what he believed were false allegations regarding anti-Semitism. Read the full article

I watched the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s response to this Wednesday’s horrific terrorist attack at Westminster and not only did it remind me so much of the horrific 7/7 attacks in London twelve years ago when I was Mayor, but also the amazing response of ordinary Londoners of all colours and creeds.

The spirit of unity we have seen since the attack has shown again that we are a great city and that we are not going to be divided by the terrorists. Read the full article